Rooney will not start for the Three Lions in their World Cup qualifying match away to Slovenia tonight, with interim manager Gareth Southgate confirming the England captain will make way for Eric Dier due to tactical reasons.

Former Arsenal and England forward Wright believes the continued questions over Rooney's place in the England and, indeed, Manchester United side are inevitable because of his age but insists Alli, 20, and Rashford, 18, are good enough to fill the void left by the 30-year-old.

Writing in his column for The Sun, Wright said: "I know from sad personal experience that there comes a time when you accept the years are catching up and there are simply better players than you in your position.

"It happens to everyone and Wayne Rooney will leave almighty boots for someone to fill.

Wayne Rooney: England highs and lows

Wayne Rooney: England highs and lows

1/10
Wayne Rooney's highs and lows

With the England captain dropped by interim manager Gareth Southgate, the Press Association look back at some of the striker's most memorable moments...

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2/10
High: England's youngest goalscorer

Despite the increased amount of young talent now breaking into the England team earlier than their predecessors, Rooney still holds the record for being the youngest to score. His landmark goal came via a half-volley in a 2-1 win away to Macedonia in September 2003 at the age of just 17 years and 317 days.

3/10
High: International emergence

Arguably Rooney's best tournament in an England shirt was Euro 2004 in Portugal when the young tyro scored four times as the Three Lions reached the quarter-finals and he was named in team of the tournament.

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4/10
Low: World Cup red card

Rooney went into the 2006 tournament in Germany under something of a cloud having broken a metatarsal just six weeks beforehand, meaning doubts were expressed about his fitness. Rooney's World Cup ended in disgrace as he was sent off in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal after stamping on opponent Ricardo Carvalho.

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5/10
Low: Fans' blast

Another World Cup, this time in South Africa in 2010, which ended in disappointment. Rooney's relationship with supporters nose-dived when, after a frustrating goalless group phase draw with Algeria, he sarcastically said "Nice to see your home (own) fans booing you" right down the lens of an on-pitch television camera.

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6/10
High: Captaincy

After the international retirement of Steven Gerrard following the 2014 World Cup, then manager Roy Hodgson turned to Rooney as his successor. Rooney said it was "beyond his wildest dreams".

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7/10
High: England's record goalscorer

Sir Bobby Charlton's record tally of 49 had stood for 45 years and, after the likes of Gary Lineker and Michael Owen came up short, Rooney eventually surpassed it. Fittingly for the striker - who has been criticised for not scoring in key matches - it came in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland in September 2015, albeit from the penalty spot.

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8/10
Low: Wembley woe

Rooney was jeered by frustrated fans after the Manchester United star capped a disappointing performance with a wayward shot in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Malta at Wembley.

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9/10
Low: Dropped

Gareth Southgate has decided to drop Rooney for England's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.

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10/10
Low: Apology

Rooney offered an "unreserved" apology to Southgate and the FA after pictures emerged of the England captain looking worse for wear at the team hotel following the 3-0 victory over Scotland.

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"But rather than one man doing so, I don’t see any reason why it can’t be two of the brightest young talents in the game — Marcus Rashford and Dele Alli. I know Rashford won’t start in Slovenia, but it is only a matter of time before he is a regular.

"I’d love to see England playing him up top, as a genuine No 9, with Dele just in behind and pulling all the strings.

"Rashford just doesn’t seem to have any fear, whoever’s in front of him.